Reducing Fat in Cooked Ground Beef

A study in the Journal of The American Dietetic Association* has good news for beef eaters.
Nutrition researchers found that a simple rinsing process reduced the fat content of cooked ground
beef crumbles by as much as 50 percent. And, blotting can be used to reduce the fat content of
cooked burgers, meatballs and meatloaf. So whether you buy ground beef for taste, convenience
or price, you also can enjoy the health benefits of lower-fat ground beef with a few easy steps.

Reducing Fat in Cooked Ground Beef Crumbles by Rinsing and Draining:

By following the easy steps below, you can cut the fat in your favorite recipes that call for cooked
ground beef crumbles, such as chili, Sloppy Joes, spaghetti with meat sauce and tacos. This
technique will allow you to take advantage of lower-priced, higher-fat ground beef and still
enjoy the benefits of a leaner product.

Brown ground beef in skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until no

longer pink. Stir occasionally to break beef into large pieces (about 1/4 inch).

Meanwhile microwave 4 cups water in 1-quart glass measuring cup or

microwaveable bowl on HIGH 5 to 6 minutes or until very hot, but not Step 3
boiling (150 to 160 degrees F).

Drain fat from skillet.

Using a slotted spoon, remove beef crumbles to large plate or other container
lined with 3 layers of white, non-recycled paper towels. Let sit 1 minute; blot
top of beef with more paper towels.
Step 4
Place beef in a line mesh strainer or colander and set it on a 1/2-quart (or
larger) sturdy bowl.

Pour hot water over beef to rinse fat. Drain 5 minutes.

Proceed as recipe directs.

If your recipe calls for browning ground beef with onion or garlic, these items Step 5
can be added during the cooking process. Rinsing the beef after cooking
results in minimal flavor loss. Additional seasonings and herbs may be added
after rinsing as desired.

Reducing Fat in Cooked Ground Beef Burgers, Meatballs and Meatloaf:

The steps below show how you can reduce the fat in pan-broiled ground beef burgers. Simply
blot the beef with white, nonrecycled paper towels. Paper towels made for microwave use are
recommended.
Remove ground beef from refrigerator and shape into 4-ounce patties (1/2 inch thick,
approximately 4 inches in diameter). Cook immediately.
Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot (about 5 minutes). Do not add oil. Place patties
into skillet.
Cook 10 to 12 minutes for medium doneness or until centers are no
longer pink and juices show no pink color. The USDA recommends
cooking to at least medium
(160 degrees F) doneness. Turn once halfway through cooking.

Remove patties to large plate lined with 3 layers of paper towels. Let
stand 1 minute. Turn over after 30 seconds.

Season as desired and serve.

Blotting can be easily used with meatballs and meatloaf. The meatballs or meatloaf should be
roasted on a rack in a shallow pan so that the fat drips away during cooking. Place cooked meat
on a surface lined with several layers of paper towels. The sides and top (if not glazed) maybe
blotted with paper towels to further reduce fat.

Nutrient Comparison
3-ounce cooked portion, pan-broiled to medium doneness
Ground Beef - 73% Lean/27% Fat Calories Fat (g)
Pan-broiled patties* 248 18
Pan-broiled patties, after blotting 230 16
Pan-broiled crumbles, after blotting only 195 12
Pan-broiled crumbles, after blotting and rinsing 135 6

Ground Beef - 80% Lean/20% Fat Calories Fat (g)

Pan-broiled patties* 230 15
Pan-broiled patties, after blotting 217 14
Pan-broiled crumbles, after blotting only 191 11
Pan-broiled crumbles, after blotting and rinsing 130 5
Sources: Iowa State University, Dept. of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Nov.1992
USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 11-1(1997)

Other Fat Reducing Tips:

For recipes where rinsing or blotting is not feasible, such as beef-stuffed bell peppers, it is best to
use 90% lean/10% fat ground beef. If time does not allow for blotting and/or rinsing, remove any
excess fat from the skillet as it accumulates by using crumpled white paper towels during browning
and before adding other ingredients. Substitute low fat, low-calorie versions of ingredients. For
example, use nonfat yogurt instead of sour cream. For flavor without adding fat, cook with fresh
ingredients such as hot and sweet peppers, onion, garlic and tomatoes.

Shopping and Selection:

Make meat selections last when shopping to ensure the beef stays as cold as possible. Choose
packages that are cold and tightly wrapped without tears or punctures. Check the "sell by" date
on the package label. Purchase before or on the date printed. A bright, cherry-red color
indicates fresh ground beef. However, fresh ground beef goes through a number of color
changes during its shelf life. A darker, purplish-red color is typical of vacuum-packaged
changes during its shelf life. A darker, purplish-red color is typical of vacuum-packaged
ground beef or the interior of packaged ground beef which has not been exposed to air. Once
exposed to air, ground beef will turn from darker red to bright red. With extended exposure to
air, beef's cherry-red color will take on a brown color. It's important to remember that these
color changes are normal. Use the "sell by" date on the package label as a guide to freshness.
One pound of ground beef provides approximately four (3-ounce) cooked servings.

Storage:
Refrigerate or freeze ground beef as soon as possible after purchasing. Place ground beef in meat
keeper or coldest part of refrigerator (35 to 40 degrees F). Use within 2 days. Ground beef can be
frozen in its original, transparent packaging for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, prevent freezer
burn by re-wrapping the beef in moisture-proof, air-tight wrapping materials such as heavy-duty
aluminum foil, freezer paper or plastic freezer bags. Ground beef may be stored in the freezer for 3
to 4 months at 0 degrees F or lower. Label and date all packages. Also include the weight and/or
number of servings.

Food Safety:
Wash hand s with hot soapy water immediately before and after handling raw beef.
Wash work surfaces and utensils thoroughly after handling raw meats. Defrost
ground beef in the refrigerator (never on the kitchen counter) to prevent bacterial
growth. Allow approximately 24 hours to defrost a 1 to 1-1/2 inch thick package.
Cook ground beef as soon as possible after thawing. Cook without interruption;
partial cooking may encourage bacterial growth. Cook until no longer pink and
juices show no pink color. The USDA recommends cooking it to at least medium
(160 degrees F) doneness. Do not eat raw or rare ground beef.

Ground Beef Nutrition Facts:

3-ounce patty, broiled to medium doneness*
Before blotting or rinsing and draining
Ground Beef Product Calories Total Fat (g) SFA (g) Cholesterol (mg)
95% Lean/5% Fat 145 6 2.4 65
90% Lean/10% Fat 185 10 4.0 72
85% Lean/15% Fat 213 13 5.1 77
80% Lean/20% Fat 230 15 5.9 77
73% Lean/27% Fat 248 18 7.0 77
Source: *U5DA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 15
A 3-ounce cooked serving of ground beef (usually about 4 ounces uncooked) is about 4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch
thick.
A 3-ounce cooked serving of ground beef provides you with about 21g of protein and about 11% of the iron you need
every day.
* Journal of The American Dietetic Association, Vol 92 No. 11 Nov.1992
©2000 National Cattlemen's Beef Association. All rights reserved.